Directly west of Northwest Portland, the wooded bluffs of the West Hills contain the massive
Forest Park
, the country's largest urban green space, interlaced with countless hiking trails, including the 26-mile loop of the Wildwood Trail. Just to the south, the elegant houses of Portland's wealthy include the ever-popular
Pittock Mansion
, 3229 NW Pittock Drive (Feb-Dec noon-4pm; $5;
), a 1914 Renaissance Revival creation whose most attractive attribute is its stunning - and free - view of the city from the front lawn. Beyond the mansion, forested
Washington Park
is home to a number of Portland's most popular attractions. These include the expansive city views from the
International Rose Test Gardens
(daily 7am-9pm; free), featuring a wide array of bright summertime blooms; the tranquil
Japanese Garden
(daily: Apr-Sept 10am-7pm; Oct-Mar 10am-4pm; $6;
), actually a collection of five gardens with traditional ponds, bridges, foliage, and sand patterns; and the
Oregon Zoo
(daily: Apr-Sept 9am-6pm; Oct-Mar 9am-4pm; $6.50;
), whose most unusual feature is its Elephant Museum, detailing the biological and cultural history of pachyderms - and decorated with a giant mastodon skeleton. Close by, the rather staid
World Forestry Center
(daily 10am-5pm; $4.50;
) uses interactive exhibits to explain forest management from a timber industry perspective. Most Washington Park attractions have convenient access to a MAX light-rail station, which is buried deep underground and accessible only by elevator.
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